Minutes from the Wednesday Service Provider Conference Call
February 13, 2002

UPDATES

Year 5
The review process for Year 5 continues. After completion of data entry for paper applications, the demand estimate for Year 5 will be posted on the website. Please look at RALs carefully and work with applicants to make sure funding amounts match dollars requested.

Year 4 - Wave 14
Wave 14 was posted to the website on Monday, February 11 and includes Internal Connections at 87%. There will be one or two more waves, and maybe a few "trickles" later on.

Year 3 Appeals and New Commitments
A new wave for Year 3 appeals and new commitments will be posted in the next few weeks.

Year 2 Appeals and New Commitments
A new wave for Year 2 appeals and new commitments will be posted in the next few weeks. Some changes to the website have been made which will make new commitments easier to find.

In general, appeals commitments are processed in batches and go through three or four levels of review and quality assurance before they can be approved. Also, if a pre-commitment appeal has been approved, the application must be data entered; this will show up on the website as a new commitment when the application is finally approved for funding.

Service Certifications
Service certifications are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen USAC's invoicing process and to make sure service providers are not invoicing prior to delivering the services. The Form 486 notifies USAC that services have commenced; the certification confirms that the work has been received. Service providers are randomly selected for this process and sent the certification forms. The service provider is given the form to share with the applicant and obtain the applicant's signature.

Updates to SP Manual
SLD is planning to update and revise the Service Provider Manual. Please send any suggestions, thoughts or comments to serviceprovider@universalservice.org.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q When does the appeal time period start ticking?
A Starting from the date on the SLD decision which triggers the appeal, the applicant has 60 days within which to appeal.

Q An applicant requested funding for Year 5, and has since received funding for the same products and services in Year 4. What should the applicant do?
A The applicant should contact the Client Service Bureau and ask to have the 471s reduced for Year 5.

Q Does an applicant have to provide a reason to change service providers and SPINs?
A An applicant must certify that the change is allowed under state and local procurement laws; most such laws require a reason for making the change.

Q Is there a normal time frame for processing of appeals?
A There is no normal time frame, as appeals vary greatly in complexity and the amount of information presented.

Q When will this year's e-rate training sessions start?
A While it is expected that there will be three sessions for 2002, dates have yet to be set, and there will be no training before May or June.

Q Do Wide Area Networks qualify under the e-rate program?
A Wide Area Networks are allowed only if they are leased from an eligible telecommunications provider.

Q If an FCDL came in a later wave, and if the applicant does not have time to have all approved work completed, can a time extension be granted?
A The FCC provided in its Order released on June 29, 2001 (FCC 01-195) that an implementation deadline could be granted if there are circumstances beyond the service provider's control that result in a failure to meet the established deadlines.

Q An applicant has found out their service provider went out of business before a 486 was filed. Should the applicant file the 486 with the new service provider, or should they do a SPIN change?
A The applicant should do the SPIN change first, and then file the 486 after confirmation of the SPIN change.

Q How may I find out of a product is eligible if it is not exactly the same as what is listed on the Eligible Services List?
A For all questions regarding product approval, contact Rich Nyquist at rnyquis@neca.org.